The continuing saga of Bob, Renita, Hannah, and Noah-- four ordinary Americans trying to figure out what Dancin' with the One Whut Brung 'Em means. Currently, it means being servants to the people of Liberia, and being served in return. What does that look like? Pay attention and find out with them!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Preparing for The Blog Sleep

Weather: Moderate snowfall the past few days with temperatures in the mid 20'sF. Steady winds bring wind chills down to 7F. About four inches of snow currently on the ground. Wet roads turn to ice, making driving hazardous.For the twelve of you who follow this blog regularly, it looks like our post day is becoming moree irregular. In Liberia, because there is a 4-5 hour time difference, I could get up on Monday, figure out what to write, put it together, and still post it by the time it was Monday morning in the US. Here, by the time I'm ready, the morning has passed and so I figure, "aw I'll let it go until tomorrow." I know a couple of our readers are in other countries, and the post time is different anyway, but I alwways thought of Monday morning EST as my posting deadline. mTo be honest, I'm thinking it will be soon time to put this blog to rest. Its reason for existence was to invite you to join us on our journey to Liberia, to explore what happens when people of these two different cultures work together-- or not-- on following Christ. We certainly remain affected by Liberia, by the effects of our presence there. We are changed forever because of it-- but those changes are on the inside of us, and not all that apparent. I could continue writing regularly during this transition, but it seems I would be writing mostly about the activities of the Reed family: "We went to the store. We bought a TV. We got a Christmas tree. We went to school. We came home." mOr even worse, I could write about me: "My feet are cold. I programmed the new TV. I've gained 12 pounds in three weeks. I'd like to get a bird feeder. I'm a little depressed. I'm waiting on God. I cry occasionally when I think about some people I left behind. I cry occasionally when I think of the people who continue to support us. I win most inner battles with the temptation to be petty, childish, gluttonous, withdrawn-- but the battles I lose are the ones that do the damage." I say I could do that, but then I'd have to title it something else.mI do not believe this part of our journey, or my journey, is served well by the medium of a blog. This "limbo time" drives me inward for a time, not outward. As I figure out what I'm doing here, and pause in this waiting place, my day to day is spent internally, in places not accessable by camera. And words seem to trivialize the holiness of the trip, to make it about me, when it is actually about Him. Better not to write at all than to mislead anyone into thinking "The Reeds in Liberia" was actually about the Reeds. mAnd yet, the twelve of you who follow this blog regularly do so for a reason. I know you are there. I don't want to communicate to you that this part of our dance with Him-- the in-between time, the limbo time, the waiting time-- is less important or less valuable than other times. The fact is, this time is maybe the most important of all. The fact is it feels too raw, too vulnerable to display on schedule every week. Its not done yet. Its not ready for posting yet.So, dear and loyal friends, we are not quite finished posting here, but we just may be a bit more irregular. When it is time, we'll let "The Reeds in Liberia" sleep. God willing, there will be another blog-- when invites us to the next dance hall.

15 comments:

OH, How I will miss you. Our family adopted two children from Liberia and they arrived home in March. You kept a thin line for me to the country of my children -- a country I did not get to visit personally.

I've been reading your blog since the beginning of this dance, although I never comment. Your writing and perspective on things will be missed. God's blessings to you, Reed family, as you figure out what's next for you.

I am one of your readers and have followed the blog for the past two years. I want you to know how much I appreciate this blog and how it has become a part of my weekly activity. Every Monday, as I go through my favorite news links online, the “Reeds in Liberia” is always visited”.

I believe, through this blog your family has inspired a lot of people around the world and not only the twelve of us who choose to stay connected. I understand and I believe others do, it is not easy for you especially, in transition to continue the regular posting but, please keep up the blog…we are somehow, a part of your family now and would like to be there for the next dance.

I don't think you're reading your feed stats correctly. (Do you have Google Analytics installed? I went to WordPress because they make the stats so much easier to get to. Then I can perseverate about who is or isn't reading.)

I, for one, would LOVE to hear about bird feeders and cold feet. but I also think that, for as long as you are still thinking some of those thoughts in the direction of Liberia, that there is stuff to be shared and that people will want to read.

but far be it from me to tell you how to blog. particularly since my own blogging has been so utterly sporadic in the past few months!

I am one of your readers who have followed the blog for the past two years. I want you to know how much I appreciate this blog and how it has become a part of my weekly activities. Every Monday, as I go through my favorite news links online, the “Reeds in Liberia” is always visited”.

I believe, through this blog your family has inspired a lot of people around the world and not only the twelve of us who choose to stay connected. I understand and I believe others do, it is not easy for you especially, in transition to continue the regular posting but, please keep up the blog…we are somehow, a part of your family now.

I also started reading your blog when we decided to adopt from Liberia in 2008 (and afterwards to stay connect to weather/people/ pictures)It was a way the kids and I could stay "connected" to Liberia...even if by your daily weather report!I love your humor...(the no boogies in Liberia made me laugh!) I love how you are real with your thoughts and even struggles. God will guide you to your next performance. You're just taking a little intermission. Bless your family and ministry!Teresa in Iowa

As others have written, I am one of your readers from the beginning when you were in nearby Harrisonburg, VA. I will miss your wonderful insights and the regular does of Liberia your blog provided for me. I am going in February for a three week stay to do some teacher training. Will miss the opportunity to meet you there.Beth I.VA

I must be one of many uncounted that read your blog regularly. I've followed from the beginning. I'm surprised how much I miss hearing about the boys in the neighborhood, the animals, and the progress, even though I know it is a fraction of what you feel.

Hey~ I'm so thankful that the Lord let me "bump into you" again last summer. Living thru your experiences with you thru this blog, and getting to know your family has been fabulous. You are an incredible writer/communicator. So keep up the good work wherever you are. You bless and encourage...Praying for you, friend. Lori

I am a Liberian residing in the USA. I have been reading your blog since your arrival in Liberia. I was so obsessed with your blog that I communicated with you twice why you were in Liberia. I can remember on one occassion, I called to inquire why you did not post for the day. You politely informed me that you posted weekly. Since then, I usually check your blog on Monday morning before begining my activities.

Well you have 12 comments and now here is number 13. I too checked on you regularly since the Kranenburgs visited you. I want to wish you a happy New Year noting that the uncertainty of it may be a bit daunting. I will pray that an other opportunity will come your way. Marianne from Immanuel CRCHamilton ON.

This post makes me sad. I have been faithfully (and silently) following this blog since the beginning. I have been to Liberia a few times and I am married to a Liberia. I love that country so much and this blog played a big part in keeping me connected to the country.

I will miss reading about your adventures and laughing at your funny thoughts. You have an awesome sense of humor. My all time favorite post was the one about the tomato shortage in Liberia. I laughed so hard at how you were searching for ONE TOMATO.

I wish you and your family well in the future and I will be reading the next blog, too. Many blessings to you all.

I am one of your "dozen" readers. I have followed your blog since I found a link to it on Madison's website. We used to attend the same church together. My son Cody was in cadets with your son. I have loved following your adventure, catching up when I didn't get a chance to read every week. I will continue to follow you wherever the Lord decides your next adventure to be. Peace.